Shahzad Raza
Correspondent
Shahzad; a journalist with 12+ years of experience, working in Multi Media. Worked in Field, covered Big Legal Constitutional and Political Events in Pakistan since 2012. Graduate of Islamic University Islamabad.
Courtesy: APP
Affects Senate Chairman Gilani and Assembly Speaker Sadiq retroactively from Jan 1
Follows earlier 188% salary increases for regular parliamentarians and federal ministers
Comes during Pakistan's $7 billion IMF bailout requiring fiscal austerity measures
The federal government has approved a 534% increase in basic salaries for the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker, raising their monthly pay from PKR 205,000 to PKR 1.3 million, effective Jan. 1, according to a notification from the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs issued last Thursday.
The decision affects Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani and National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The salary adjustment, issued under Section 19AA of the Chairman and Speaker (Salaries, Allowances and Privileges) Act of 1975, also includes a sumptuary allowance equal to 50% of the revised salary to cover hospitality and representational expenses.
The allowance is non-taxable, bringing total monthly compensation to approximately PKR 2 million.
The increase comes as Pakistan implements fiscal reforms under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund bailout program aimed at economic stabilization. The IMF completed its first program review in May, releasing $1 billion in disbursements.
Pakistan's economy has faced significant challenges, with the country seeking its 24th IMF program since 1958. The government has implemented various austerity measures in recent years, including cuts to fuel subsidies and restrictions on luxury imports, as conditions for international financial assistance.
The current Extended Fund Facility program requires Pakistan to maintain fiscal discipline, including achieving a primary budget surplus of 2.1% of GDP. Inflation has decreased significantly from previous highs, falling to 0.3% in April, according to IMF data.
Series of salary increases
The increase follows a series of recent salary adjustments for government officials. In February, Parliament approved salary increases for regular members of the National Assembly and Senate, raising their monthly pay to PKR 519,000 from PKR 180,000 — a 188% increase.
Federal ministers' salaries were subsequently raised to match parliamentarians at PKR 519,000 per month.
The parliamentary leadership positions had previously seen their salaries increased from about PKR 162,000 to PKR 205,000 in recent years before this latest adjustment.
No official justification has been provided for the salary increase. The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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